NRA Releases iOS Shooting App Amid Game Violence Debate

Last month, National Rifle Association CEO Wayne LaPierre placed some portion of the blame in regards to horrific massacres like the Newtown, Connecticut shootings at the feet of the video game industry. But a mere three weeks later, the organization has just released NRA: Practice Range, an iOS first-person shooting game with a focus on blasting away targets.

"There exists in this country a callous and corrupting shadow industry that sells, and sows, violence against its own people through vicious, violent video games with names like Bulletstorm, Grand Theft Auto, Mortal Kombat, and Splatterhouse," said LaPierre during the NRA's December 21 press conference.

Last week, Vice President Joe Biden met with representatives from the video game industry, part of a larger effort by the White House to look at ways to combat the country's issues with gun violence. Biden has also met with NRA representatives, the results of which apparently left NRA president David Keene with the impression President Obama might issue an executive order for gun control.

Needless to say, gun ownership and culture in the United States is a topic of fierce debate at the moment. And in the midst of the NRA citing the "shadow industry" of video games focused on gunplay, the group has just released another gun-based video game.

Developed by MEDL Mobile, Practice Range is an "official NRA licensed product." The game offers realistic gun models for shooting in three different target-based ranges, including an M-16 (the military version of an AR-15, used in the Newtown shootings). More weapons like AK-47s are available for 99-cent in-app purchase.

"It strikes the right balance of gaming and safety education, allowing you to enjoy the most authentic experience possible," reads the app's description.

NRA: Practice Range also displays facts about the National Rifle Association, in addition to gun safety tips and information about the Second Amendment.

"The NRA Eddie Eagle Gunsafe program has reached more than 25 million children since 1998," reads one such tidbit.